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Thursday, July 14, 2011

One week

At 6:30 a.m. last Thursday, I forgot about the treadmill and my the 8:45 doctor’s appointment, leashed up Denali and headed out for a walk. A 3.5-mile walk on a beautiful morning that left me feeling accomplished and rejuvenated.

“In the beginning you'll be doing so much sitting; breastfeeding, pumping, bottle feeding, cuddling le bebe that you'll wish you could just get out anytime you want. So I’d leave the sitting for post pregnancy and walk, or hike or get out as much as possible.”

I had no idea just how right she would be.

The Story of Miles’ Birth

Thursday was just another day and another weekly check-up with the OB/GYN. Go in, get weighed, get the blood pressure taken, get measured.

Just one thing: I had a different doctor (mine was on vacation) and she said I was measuring small. Small enough to alarm her.

I was immediately sent to have an ultrasound, where it was determined that Miles was definitely small – his estimated weight at 4 pounds, 15 ounces. The doctor was concerned that he wasn’t growing properly and felt that at that point in the pregnancy, he would do better outside than in. I would have to be induced. That day.

The plan for the induction was to give me a medication called Cervadil to soften things up over a 12-hour period at which point I would be given Pitocin to start contractions. If all went right, I’d have a baby Friday morning.

Right from the get go, though, it was obvious things wouldn’t go according to plan. The Cervadil was delayed because of a small blip on the fetal monitor. When it was inserted, there was another blip – Miles’ heart rate dropped – and it was taken out until the doctor decided what course to take next. And during that “thinking period” Miles’ heart rate dropped two other times when I got up to go the bathroom.

Three strikes and you’re out.

The doctor on call determined that Miles was already stressed just hanging out (more than likely from sitting on the cord) and labor would put him in greater stress. While he was able to bounce back like a champ during the previous episodes, she feared it wouldn’t be so easy in delivery. The best option would be a C-section.

I can’t tell you how scary it all was – from the army of nurses rushing into the room every time his heart rate dropped, the oxygen mask strapped to my face, the fear that I had done something to hurt him. I didn’t want to have a C-section but it wasn’t about me.

Two hours later, he was born. I really don’t remember it all – the doctor held him up for a only brief – just the sigh of relief when I heard him wail and then when they said he weighed in at 5 pounds, 14 ounces.

My boy was OK.

Ten toes. Ten fingers. Two balls. A head of red hair. And the healthiest pair of lungs in the whole wide world.

P.S. Mom and babe are doing OK post C-section. Not being able to walk down the block is killing me and hanging out on the couch watching “The Kennedys” mini-series is about to make me crazy. That, and near constant feedings with Miles. It seems he inherited his mother’s appetite.

I too had an emergency c-section when they induced me and I wouldn't progress past an 8. My birth plan was to go natural all the way so i was disappointed when it came to the c-section. But like you said it wasn't about me. You look amazing post-baby. Take it easy and listen to your body. C-sections are hard to recover from and you'll think you can do a ton after about 2 weeks, but REFRAIN! Especially don't vacuum! I tried to cook dinner about a week and a 1/2 after and it took everything out of me. Love those precious moments in the early hours of the morning with the babe they don't last forever and believe it or not, you will miss them later on!

OMG I could just squeeze him - he's a cutie patootie for sure!!! Ohhh, what a story indeed. I'm glad that you and Miles are doing well. I'm sure the recovery is frustrating, but what a great opportunity to spend a little more time with the little man. Love that you captured his announcement on the billboard - awesome!!!! Keep healing and know that "C" and I are thinking of you and sending our speedy wishes for recovery!

i am so happy that you both are doing well. You don't even look like you just gave birth.I had a similar experience with the induction and c-section. I firmly believe that all the exercise I did leading up to it made my recovery so much easier. But Carrie's so right, take it easy, enjoy the time you have with your newborn, it's fleeting. You'll be running again in no time.

Such a tiny guy!! Mine was too, but they grow so fast. Enjoy those early days, even if you are sitting around feeding your baby and recovering - two very important things. You'll be back to your active self soon enough. Take care and congrats again!!

Been tryint to post for a while, but my login was bunk for some reason. I absolutely know the scary feeling of him going bradycardic and feeling like you've somehow done something wrong. Glad you and Miles are doing OK now. Looking forward to exchanging boy stories!

I'm so glad that you and baby are ok! I ended up needing a c-section too last November, so I know what you mean about not being able to do much for a bit. Man, what would breastfeeding moms do without internet on phones nowadays??? That's ALL I do. :)

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About Me

A runner, ACE certified personal trainer, group fitness instructor, weight-loss success and mom who is trying to live a healthy, full life. Baby No. 2 due in April 2015. Feel free to contact me at hlthystrides (at) gmail (dot) com.